A FAMILY from Wanborough are getting ready to run a London half marathon together.

Annie Clarke, her partner Gary Martin, and her children Liberty Clarke and Laurence Clarke are all taking part in the Royal Parks Half next month to raise money for good causes.

Annie, Gary and Liberty are fundraising for WaterAid and Laurence is raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Annie said: “I’d never run before in my life but after watching athletics and the London Marathon, I thought I should get off my backside and do it, now’s the time.

“Laurence ran the Royal Parks Half last year, it’s a lovely route and I wanted a bit of a challenge so I started running in Spring.

“The family are all much faster than me, we go out to do laps around Coate Water together and after 10 minutes they run ahead.

“Everyone’s been really encouraging, people wave as we run round the village, though they think we’re a bit mad.”

Annie held a quiz night fundraiser at the Wanborough village hall over the weekend, hosted by Swindon 105.5 presenter Allistair Greener, and raised more than £1,100 for WaterAid.

Annie added: “It went brilliantly, it was a really good night.

“We were at full capacity, it was great fun and everyone enjoyed it.

“We tried to encourage people to listen to their local community radio station and Swindon 105.5 were fantastic.”

WaterAid work in 34 countries around the world to provide clean water and hygienic, functioning toilets to people.

Annie said: “We go to Glastonbury every year and WaterAid is one of the big charities they support.

“We always support their campaigns and chat to them about the incredible work that they do.

“It’s an amazing charity and we thought this was a nice opportunity to do something for them.

“Thousands still die very day because they don’t have clean water, which is not acceptable in this day and age.”

The Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity investing in research into dementia care, cause, cure and prevention. It also fights for the rights of those affected by dementia and offers thousands of support services to those with the condition.

The tenth Royal Park Half begins at 9am on Sunday October 8, takes in several of the capital’s famous landmarks and goes through Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/annieandgarygorunning for Annie, Gary and Liberty’s run for WaterAid or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laurenceaclarke for Laurence's run for Alzheimer's